The internationally renowned Cirque du soleil is denying British media reports it is for sale.

The Telegraph reported Monday on its internet site that the famed acrobatic circus has received takeover bids, including one from the investment arm of the emirate of Dubai that is close to $2 billion.

But Cirque officials say that's not the case.

"Cirque du soleil is not for sale," Renée-Claude Ménard, a spokeswoman for the Montreal-based Cirque, said in an e-mail to the Canadian Press.

"Cirque du soleil is a very appealing company and we are approached by many different individuals and organizations on a regular basis with these types of offers.

"Therefore, many rumours and speculations result from these conversations from time to time. In this case, it is just that, rumour and speculation."

The Cirque was founded nearly 25 years ago by a Montreal street performer and has grown to a worldwide empire with tents in the United States and Europe and operations in 40 countries.

It revolutionized the traditional circus by replacing animal acts with acrobats, dance and live music.

The Cirque proved to be a major hit in Dubai after opening its first show there last year.